Aberdeen residents are being asked whether the city’s controversial street knowledge test for drivers should be scrapped or changed as part of a new public consultation by Aberdeen City Council.
The exam has long been criticised by some campaigners who argue it makes it too difficult for new drivers to enter the trade, contributing to long queues at taxi ranks at busy times.
It has also made it more difficult for ride hailing apps such as Uber to get a foothold in the local market.
The consultation asks whether private hire drivers — who can only take pre-booked fares and typically use satellite navigation tools — should still be required to sit the knowledge test, whether it should be removed, or whether an amended version should be introduced.
Participants are also being asked for their views on whether all taxi and private hire drivers should be required to accept card payments, as some currently insist on cash.
Another question asks whether the city’s taxi dress code should remain in place, and whether rules around who can pick up at the airport should be relaxed.
All responses will be considered by councillors before a decision is taken in May.
The consultation notes that Aberdeen currently has 508 licensed taxis, around half of the 1,079 permitted under the city’s cap. There are also 361 private hire vehicles licensed in the city, with no limit on their numbers.
Take the survey here.